US5056860A - High-performance motor car - Google Patents
High-performance motor car Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US5056860A US5056860A US07/504,827 US50482790A US5056860A US 5056860 A US5056860 A US 5056860A US 50482790 A US50482790 A US 50482790A US 5056860 A US5056860 A US 5056860A
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- wheels
- motor car
- fairings
- fairing
- steering
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Fee Related
Links
- 230000007246 mechanism Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000000725 suspension Substances 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D15/00—Steering not otherwise provided for
- B62D15/02—Steering position indicators ; Steering position determination; Steering aids
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D25/00—Superstructure or monocoque structure sub-units; Parts or details thereof not otherwise provided for
- B62D25/08—Front or rear portions
- B62D25/16—Mud-guards or wings; Wheel cover panels
- B62D25/18—Parts or details thereof, e.g. mudguard flaps
- B62D25/182—Movable mudguards, or mudguards comprising movable or detachable parts
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D35/00—Vehicle bodies characterised by streamlining
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B62—LAND VEHICLES FOR TRAVELLING OTHERWISE THAN ON RAILS
- B62D—MOTOR VEHICLES; TRAILERS
- B62D37/00—Stabilising vehicle bodies without controlling suspension arrangements
- B62D37/02—Stabilising vehicle bodies without controlling suspension arrangements by aerodynamic means
Definitions
- the present invention relates in general to performance
- the object of the invention is to avoid this problem and to propose a performance motor car of the above type having architecture such as to enable the driver visually to determine the steering angle of the front wheels, whilst remaining within the conditions imposed by the regulations.
- this object is achieved by means of a performance motor car, characterised in that it includes a body which surrounds the rear wheels and has a tapered front part from which the front steerable wheels project, the front wheels being inserted in respective aerodynamic fairings which can be steered together with the wheels.
- Each of the fairings conveniently has a movable, vertical, fin-like rear part which can be moved as a result of the pivoting of the respective fairing, in the opposite sense from the latter.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a performance car according to the invention
- FIG. 2 a side elevation of the car
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of the car from above
- FIG. 4 shows a detail of FIG. 3 on an enlarged scale.
- the performance car has a body or bodywork, generally indicated 1, defining a central passenger compartment 2 and having a rear part 3 formed so as to surround the rear wheels 8, which are normally the driving wheels.
- the body 1 has a slender, tapered front part 4, near the end region of which project two aerodynamic side appendages 5 which, as well as defining a front spoiler also enclose the kinematic steering and suspension mechanisms of the front steerable wheels 6 of the car.
- These steerable wheels 6 are enclosed in two aerodynamic fairings 7 which are pivotable relative to the two side appendages 5 about respective, substantially vertical axes 9.
- the fairings 7 are pivoted simultaneously with the steering of the front wheels 6.
- the articulated connections of the fairings 7 or the side wings 5 and the respective means for making them pivot are not shown in detail, since they can be achieved by arrangements within the capabilities of the expert in the art.
- the pivoting of the fairings 7 enables the driver visually to determine the angular position of the front wheels 6 during steering, whilst he is driving the vehicle, ensuring more precise steering on bends and enabling maximum use to be made of the speed performance of the vehicle.
- each fairing 7 has a movable, fin-like, rear part 10 which is pivotable relative to the fairing 7 about a substantially vertical axis 11.
- the arrangement is such that, when the two fairings 7 pivot with the front wheels 6 in one sense (that is, towards the inside of the bend), the two fins 10 are pivoted in the opposite sense (that is, towards the outside of the bend).
- tie rods 12 which connect the front edge of each fin 10 to the respective fairing 7 in a region spaced from its pivot axis 9.
- the two fins 10 modify the aerodynamic profiles of the respective fairings 7 during steering, so as to make use of the speed of the vehicle to increase the aerodynamic lift of the fairings towards the inside of the bend and thus compensate for any understeering.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
- Transportation (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
- Body Structure For Vehicles (AREA)
Abstract
A high-performance motor car includes a body which surrounds the rear wheels and has a tapered front part from which the front steerable wheels project. The front wheels are inserted in respective aerodynamic fairings which can be steered with the wheels. A vertical fin is pivoted to the rear of each fairing.
Description
The present invention relates in general to performance
In conventional cars, unlike "formula" cars, the rear wheels and the front wheels are enclosed by the body or bodywork of the car.
This means that, in practice, it is impossible for the driver visually to check the behaviour of the front steerable wheels of the car, which limits the speed and performance of such cars on bends.
The object of the invention is to avoid this problem and to propose a performance motor car of the above type having architecture such as to enable the driver visually to determine the steering angle of the front wheels, whilst remaining within the conditions imposed by the regulations.
According to the invention, this object is achieved by means of a performance motor car, characterised in that it includes a body which surrounds the rear wheels and has a tapered front part from which the front steerable wheels project, the front wheels being inserted in respective aerodynamic fairings which can be steered together with the wheels.
Each of the fairings conveniently has a movable, vertical, fin-like rear part which can be moved as a result of the pivoting of the respective fairing, in the opposite sense from the latter.
The invention will now be described in detail with reference to the appended drawings, provided purely by way of non-limiting example, in which:
FIG. 1 is a schematic perspective view of a performance car according to the invention,
FIG. 2 a side elevation of the car,
FIG. 3 is a plan view of the car from above, and
FIG. 4 shows a detail of FIG. 3 on an enlarged scale.
With reference to the drawings, the performance car according to the invention has a body or bodywork, generally indicated 1, defining a central passenger compartment 2 and having a rear part 3 formed so as to surround the rear wheels 8, which are normally the driving wheels. The body 1 has a slender, tapered front part 4, near the end region of which project two aerodynamic side appendages 5 which, as well as defining a front spoiler also enclose the kinematic steering and suspension mechanisms of the front steerable wheels 6 of the car. These steerable wheels 6 are enclosed in two aerodynamic fairings 7 which are pivotable relative to the two side appendages 5 about respective, substantially vertical axes 9. The fairings 7 are pivoted simultaneously with the steering of the front wheels 6. The articulated connections of the fairings 7 or the side wings 5 and the respective means for making them pivot are not shown in detail, since they can be achieved by arrangements within the capabilities of the expert in the art.
The pivoting of the fairings 7 enables the driver visually to determine the angular position of the front wheels 6 during steering, whilst he is driving the vehicle, ensuring more precise steering on bends and enabling maximum use to be made of the speed performance of the vehicle.
According to the preferred embodiment of the invention shown in the drawings, each fairing 7 has a movable, fin-like, rear part 10 which is pivotable relative to the fairing 7 about a substantially vertical axis 11. The arrangement is such that, when the two fairings 7 pivot with the front wheels 6 in one sense (that is, towards the inside of the bend), the two fins 10 are pivoted in the opposite sense (that is, towards the outside of the bend). This can be achieved simply by means of tie rods 12 which connect the front edge of each fin 10 to the respective fairing 7 in a region spaced from its pivot axis 9.
The two fins 10 modify the aerodynamic profiles of the respective fairings 7 during steering, so as to make use of the speed of the vehicle to increase the aerodynamic lift of the fairings towards the inside of the bend and thus compensate for any understeering.
Claims (2)
1. A high performance motor car comprising:
a body, rear wheels and front steering wheels, said body surrounding said rear wheels and having a tapered front part,
supporting means pivotally supporting said front steering wheels on opposite sides of said tapered front part,
aerodynamic fairings surrounding said front wheels and mounted for pivotal steering movement with said front wheels,
a movable, vertical, fin-like member pivotally mounted on each fairing adjacent a rear portion thereof and
connecting means for pivoting said fin-like member in opposite direction to the pivotal movement of each fairing.
2. A motor car according to claim 1, wherein said supporting means is comprises of two aerodynamic side appendages extending from opposite sides of said front part of the body to define a front spoiler with said fairings being pivotally mounted at outer ends of said appendages.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
IT8967246A IT1232364B (en) | 1989-04-06 | 1989-04-06 | HIGH PERFORMANCE CAR |
IT67246A/89 | 1989-04-06 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US5056860A true US5056860A (en) | 1991-10-15 |
Family
ID=11300820
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US07/504,827 Expired - Fee Related US5056860A (en) | 1989-04-06 | 1990-04-05 | High-performance motor car |
Country Status (6)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5056860A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0391864B1 (en) |
BR (1) | BR9001693A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69000096D1 (en) |
ES (1) | ES2031726T3 (en) |
IT (1) | IT1232364B (en) |
Cited By (11)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060017307A1 (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2006-01-26 | Vitaliy Lyakir | Automobile body performing decreased aerodynamic lift |
US20080116717A1 (en) * | 2006-11-17 | 2008-05-22 | National Associatin For Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. | Air deflecting system for automobiles |
US20090171530A1 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2009-07-02 | Samuel Hall Bousfield | Aerodynamic control of a three-wheel vehicle |
US20120038185A1 (en) * | 2009-02-23 | 2012-02-16 | Leonardo Fioravanti | Motor-car, in particular a racing car |
USD732426S1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2015-06-23 | Delta Wing, LLC | Race car |
US20150307142A1 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2015-10-29 | Laydon Composites Ltd. | Drag reduction fairing for a trailer converter dolly |
US9216751B2 (en) | 2013-06-24 | 2015-12-22 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Cleaning cart |
US9469354B1 (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2016-10-18 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Airfoil with adjustable tail flap |
US20170247065A1 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2017-08-31 | Garth L. Magee | Drag-reducing shaft tailfin |
US20190118750A1 (en) * | 2017-10-24 | 2019-04-25 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Deployable debris protection device for an automotive vehicle |
US10953928B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2021-03-23 | Paccar Inc | Articulated wheel fairing for the steer axle |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB2270658A (en) * | 1992-09-07 | 1994-03-23 | Richard John Topliss | Vertical aerofoils for vehicles. |
BR112012027187A2 (en) * | 2010-04-23 | 2016-07-19 | Edison2 Llc | vehicle axle and wheel system |
EP4091920A1 (en) * | 2021-05-18 | 2022-11-23 | Blue Technologies BV | Automobile with a movable wind guide element |
DE102023105808B3 (en) | 2023-03-09 | 2024-02-29 | Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt e.V. | Electric drive vehicle |
Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1523263A (en) * | 1924-04-05 | 1925-01-13 | Henninger Albert Berthold | Power-driven vehicle |
US3804428A (en) * | 1972-10-26 | 1974-04-16 | J Amick | Sailing vehicle |
US4881701A (en) * | 1988-03-14 | 1989-11-21 | Bullard Gary M | Combination automobile and airplane |
Family Cites Families (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE499199C (en) * | 1928-06-07 | 1930-06-03 | Alexander Lippisch | Motor vehicles for high speeds with wings attached to both sides of the vehicle |
US1916099A (en) * | 1932-03-25 | 1933-06-27 | Dubonnet Andre | Mud guard suspension |
CH178390A (en) * | 1934-04-03 | 1935-07-15 | Tatra Werke Ag | Streamlined vehicle body, in particular for motor vehicles. |
US3512825A (en) * | 1968-06-11 | 1970-05-19 | Robert D Green | Aerodynamic wing for racing cars |
-
1989
- 1989-04-06 IT IT8967246A patent/IT1232364B/en active
-
1990
- 1990-04-03 ES ES199090830138T patent/ES2031726T3/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1990-04-03 EP EP90830138A patent/EP0391864B1/en not_active Expired
- 1990-04-03 DE DE9090830138T patent/DE69000096D1/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1990-04-05 BR BR909001693A patent/BR9001693A/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1990-04-05 US US07/504,827 patent/US5056860A/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
Patent Citations (3)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US1523263A (en) * | 1924-04-05 | 1925-01-13 | Henninger Albert Berthold | Power-driven vehicle |
US3804428A (en) * | 1972-10-26 | 1974-04-16 | J Amick | Sailing vehicle |
US4881701A (en) * | 1988-03-14 | 1989-11-21 | Bullard Gary M | Combination automobile and airplane |
Cited By (20)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20060017307A1 (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2006-01-26 | Vitaliy Lyakir | Automobile body performing decreased aerodynamic lift |
US6994394B1 (en) * | 2003-05-23 | 2006-02-07 | Vitaliy Lyakir | Automobile body performing decreased aerodynamic lift |
US20080116717A1 (en) * | 2006-11-17 | 2008-05-22 | National Associatin For Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. | Air deflecting system for automobiles |
US7517004B2 (en) * | 2006-11-17 | 2009-04-14 | National Association For Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc. | Air deflecting system for automobiles |
US20090171530A1 (en) * | 2007-12-28 | 2009-07-02 | Samuel Hall Bousfield | Aerodynamic control of a three-wheel vehicle |
US8256826B2 (en) * | 2009-02-23 | 2012-09-04 | Leonardo Fioravanti | Motor car, in particular, a racing car |
US20120038185A1 (en) * | 2009-02-23 | 2012-02-16 | Leonardo Fioravanti | Motor-car, in particular a racing car |
USD732426S1 (en) * | 2012-03-27 | 2015-06-23 | Delta Wing, LLC | Race car |
US10538280B2 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2020-01-21 | Garth L. Magee | Wheel fairing reducing vehicle drag |
US20170247065A1 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2017-08-31 | Garth L. Magee | Drag-reducing shaft tailfin |
US11345187B2 (en) * | 2012-12-21 | 2022-05-31 | Garth L. Magee | Minimizing drag-induced forces on a wheeled vehicle |
US9216751B2 (en) | 2013-06-24 | 2015-12-22 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Cleaning cart |
US9545936B2 (en) | 2013-06-24 | 2017-01-17 | Unger Marketing International, Llc | Cleaning cart |
US20150307142A1 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2015-10-29 | Laydon Composites Ltd. | Drag reduction fairing for a trailer converter dolly |
US9956997B2 (en) * | 2014-04-28 | 2018-05-01 | Laydon Composites Ltd. | Drag reduction fairing for a trailer converter dolly |
US9469354B1 (en) * | 2015-06-29 | 2016-10-18 | Ford Global Technologies, Llc | Airfoil with adjustable tail flap |
US10471914B2 (en) * | 2017-10-24 | 2019-11-12 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Deployable debris protection device for an automotive vehicle |
US20190118750A1 (en) * | 2017-10-24 | 2019-04-25 | GM Global Technology Operations LLC | Deployable debris protection device for an automotive vehicle |
US10953928B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2021-03-23 | Paccar Inc | Articulated wheel fairing for the steer axle |
US11820436B2 (en) | 2018-04-03 | 2023-11-21 | Paccar Inc | Articulated wheel fairing for the steer axle |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
BR9001693A (en) | 1991-05-14 |
EP0391864B1 (en) | 1992-05-13 |
IT8967246A0 (en) | 1989-04-06 |
EP0391864A1 (en) | 1990-10-10 |
IT1232364B (en) | 1992-01-28 |
ES2031726T3 (en) | 1992-12-16 |
DE69000096D1 (en) | 1992-06-17 |
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Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FIAT AUTO S.P.A., ITALY Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST.;ASSIGNORS:CORNACCHIA, FELICE;DI GIUSTO, NEVIO;REEL/FRAME:005733/0840 Effective date: 19900321 |
|
REMI | Maintenance fee reminder mailed | ||
LAPS | Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees | ||
FP | Lapsed due to failure to pay maintenance fee |
Effective date: 19951018 |
|
STCH | Information on status: patent discontinuation |
Free format text: PATENT EXPIRED DUE TO NONPAYMENT OF MAINTENANCE FEES UNDER 37 CFR 1.362 |